As we look ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it is clear that there will be many exciting matches and surprises in store for fans around the world. However, one team that has been making waves recently is Athletic Bilbao.

Athletic Bilbao has had a strong start to the season, with their current table position suggesting that they have a good chance of qualifying for the tournament. The Basque club has won five out of their last six games, including a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad earlier this month.

One reason for Athletic Bilbao's success could be their solid defense. They have only conceded three goals in their first nine games of the season, which is the fewest among all teams in La Liga. This has allowed them to focus more on attack and create scoring opportunities for themselves.

Another factor that has contributed to Athletic Bilbao's success is their attacking prowess. They have scored 15 goals so far this season, which is second highest in La Liga behind Barcelona. Their top scorer is forward Iñaki Williams, who has already scored four goals this campaign.

However, despite their impressive form, there are still some concerns about Athletic Bilbao's chances of qualifying for the World Cup. One issue is their lack of experience at international level. Many of their players have only played for their country once or twice before, and may not be fully prepared for the demands of playing at the World Cup level.

Additionally, there is still room for improvement in terms of consistency. While Athletic Bilbao have performed well in recent weeks, they have also lost several key players through injury, such as defender Rubén Pérez and midfielder Juanmi. These injuries could potentially affect their performance in the upcoming months.

Overall, while Athletic Bilbao has shown great potential early in the season, there are still some challenges that they need to overcome if they want to qualify for the World Cup. But with their strong defense and attacking prowess, there is definitely a chance that they can make a significant impact in the tournament.